Abstract: Solid state image-pickup devices and associated circuit driving methods are disclosed that provide a video signal with enhanced video frame refresh rates. Multiple pixels are arranged in a planar array of columns and rows. Each column has a separate vertical read-out line. The pixel outputs in each column are connected to a respective vertical read-out line. A vertical scanning circuit controllably switches the outputs of the pixels in each column to respective vertical read-out lines according to a predetermined horizontal-line read-out sequence. A multiplexer distributes the pixel output signals carried by the vertical read-out lines to multiple multiplexer outputs. A horizontal accumulator temporarily accumulates the pixel output signals for delivery to horizontal-accumulator outputs. Horizontal scanning means controllably trigger pixel output signals temporarily accumulated in the horizontal accumulator for sequential read-out onto horizontal read-out lines to form a video signal.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for forming, on a semiconductor substrate, a circuit pattern of semiconductor device having a die (field) size larger than the irradiation field achievable using a particular photolithographic exposure system. The circuit pattern is defined by a reticle, but the reticle field is divided into multiple subfields that are projection-exposed onto the substrate in a sequential manner to form, for each die formable on the substrate, the complete circuit pattern in which the subfields are adjacent and aligned with each other. The subfields on the reticle have at least one non-linear boundary to increase the packing density of individual devices of the circuit on the substrate. For example, the non-linear boundaries can be dentate or serpentine. An exemplary application of the method is disclosed for making an image-pickup device for HDTV.